Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

Vera finishes her law studies and hopes to establish her own practice. Her financial dependence on her family complicates that ambition.

Vera Completes Law Studies — Vera Donátová has completed her law studies.
Plans an Independent Practice — Vera wants to establish her own law firm but depends financially on her family.

Vera's father provides money with a condition tied to the success of her practice within a year. If it fails, she must marry Consul Raboch's son.

A Conditional Offer of Money — Her father offers financial support on condition that she marry Consul Raboch's son if her practice fails within a year.
No Clients Arrive — Vera has no clients for her new practice.

With no clients, Vera receives a case ex officio. The assignment gives her a first opportunity to practise law.

First Case Assigned — Vera receives her first case through an ex officio assignment.

Vera visits her client in prison and pursues his release despite his opposition. She succeeds in securing his release.

Visit to the Prison Cell — Vera visits her assigned client, known as Tiger, in his prison cell. Location: Prison cell
The Client Resists Release — Tiger opposes Vera's effort to obtain his release. Location: Prison cell
Vera Secures His Release — Despite his opposition, Vera obtains her client's release.

Story Breakdown

A New Legal Career — Vera completes her legal education and seeks professional independence.
- Studies Completed — Vera has finished her law studies.
- Firm Ambition — She wants to establish her own law firm.
Family Financial Pressure — Vera's plans depend on financial support from her family, and her father attaches a condition to his money.
- Dependent Finances — Vera is financially dependent on her family.
- Marriage Condition — Her father says she must marry Consul Raboch's son if her practice does not succeed within a year.
A Practice Without Clients — Vera's new professional ambition initially brings no clients.
- Empty Client List — Vera has no clients.
- First Assignment — Her first case is assigned ex officio.
The Prison Case — Vera visits her assigned client and pursues his release despite his resistance.
- Prison Visit — Vera visits her client in his prison cell.
- Release Secured — Vera obtains the client's release against his wishes.